Jelly Roll opened up about his dramatic weight loss during the 2026 Grammy Awards, explaining that the transformation only came after he decided to take his health as seriously as his past battles with addiction.
Speaking to reporters in the Grammys press room on Feb. 1, the singer revealed that he had lost more than 200 pounds and said the journey required a complete change in mindset.
“I did it with a lot of cardio and consistent food,” he said.
“I had to fight my food addiction the same way I fought my cocaine addiction. I really had to take it seriously. I had to change my relationship with food.”
The 41-year-old, real name Jason Bradley DeFord, stressed that losing weight for him was as much mental as it was physical. He shared that therapy played a key role in helping him manage his cravings and break unhealthy patterns.
“I had to do a lot of mental therapy and a lot of mental work to block out the noise of the food,” he explained, adding that he had never used weight-loss injections. “I’ve never done GLP-1, but I don’t judge anyone who does.”
Jelly Roll, who won three awards at the 68th Annual Grammys, including Best Contemporary Country Album, Best Country Duo/Group Performance with Shaboozey and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, took the opportunity to encourage others facing similar struggles.
“Anyone who weighs 500 pounds: I don’t care if you take one shot or 10,” he emphasized.
“Do whatever it takes. Lose weight. Don’t listen to anyone else. Go get your life in order and save this heart.”
He previously shared that his previous attempts to lose weight had failed and that it was his sobriety journey that ultimately changed his approach.
Reflecting on the process during a December appearance on The Joe Rogan Experiencehe said he decided to slow down and be more intentional.
“When I sat down to try to lose my mind this time, I said, ‘I’m going to take a different approach. I’m going to really take my time and I’m going to think about what I’m doing and be intentional,'” he recalls, noting that his experience with addiction helped him recognize deeper patterns.
“I dealt with drug addiction, so I thought, maybe there’s something here.”
Exercise, especially running, became a central part of his daily routine.
He recently said E! News that food was the biggest change he made, but movement became his anchor.
“Running was my true healer,” he said, explaining that he ran every day. Even on lighter days, he makes sure to run at least a mile at a slow, steady pace.
Beyond the physical changes, Jelly Roll says her motivation is rooted in her family.
He is the father of Bailee Ann, 17, and Noah, 9, from previous relationships, and credits his wife, Bunnie XO, with being his strongest support system.
“Bunnie played the [biggest] role in getting me here,” he said. “Every part of me that improves is just another attempt to be a better husband and father.”
Although he’s proud of the weight he’s lost, Jelly Roll has made it clear the journey is underway.
For him, transformation is not about reaching a finish line, but about continuing to grow. As he said, losing weight was just one step, and he knows he will have to continue to evolve tomorrow.
